Seasonal population dynamics and voltinism of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys in Northern Greece

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive pest posing a significant threat to agricultural crops in various regions, including Northern Greece. This study investigates the seasonal abundance and population dynamics of H. halys in kiwifruit orchards across two prefectures, Imathia and Pieria, over a 3-year period (2021-2023). Monitoring was conducted using pheromone-baited traps to capture mobile life stages from May to October. Our results showcase adult emergence from overwintering sites in April, followed by two peaks in adult captures in late July to mid-August and late September, indicating the presence of two overlapping generations, furtherly corroborated by the corresponding seasonal pattern of L₂ nymphs in both regions. Population density and peaks varied regionally, with Imathia consistently exhibiting higher numbers of H. halys compared to Pieria. Environmental factors, such as climatic conditions, likely influenced the timing of adult emergence and diapause termination and the seasonal shifts in population structure. The findings of this study underscore the importance of localized management strategies tailored to the specific ecological conditions of each region to mitigate the impact of H. halys on agricultural production.